Bay of Many Coves Marlborough

Bay of Many Coves is a luxury five-star resort, set in the heart of Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough. Nestled between stunning native bush and our secluded bay, you will enjoy an unforgettable experience: Whether you are seeking world-class cuisine, breath-taking scenery, adventure, or simply a sense of renewal, you will find it here, whatever the season.

It’s surprisingly easy to find yourself a world away: Come summer or winter, our luxurious retreat is a sanctuary in every sense where our guests can relax, escape the everyday, and discover the exceptional.

Whether you arrive by boat or by air, you will soon find yourself in a secluded location, in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, nestled between the bush and the sea. We invite you to immerse yourself in our pristine natural setting, enjoy our hospitality, and recharge your batteries.

The internationally-renowned Queen Charlotte walking track awaits you on our doorstep, along with other adventures. And, with our world-class chefs close at hand, yours will be an experience you won’t forget.

THE HISTORY
Nigel and Janine Gould have always loved the Marlborough Sounds. As newlyweds, they often holidayed in the area, and when the chance to purchase Soulmate came along, they began spending more time sailing and discovering the winding waterways that make up this unique region.

On one occasion, as they explored the Queen Charlotte Sound, Soulmate pulled into a small bay called Bay of Many Coves. Nigel and Janine discovered a resort, tucked away between the bush and the sea, totally off the beaten track. They picked up a mooring and stayed two nights. It was love at first sight: the location, the tranquillity, the light dancing on the water at dusk… The year was 2009.

Since then, the resort has grown into an internationally renowned luxury lodge, and has welcomed thousands of guests from New Zealand and abroad. Nigel, Janine and the lodge staff are passionate about sharing the unique beauty and sanctuary of the bay with guests who come here for connection, relaxation, and discovery.

Getting away from it all, discovering the delightful flavours of Marlborough, and time spent with loved ones is what draws guests to this sanctuary. Not to mention our proximity to the world-famous Queen Charlotte Track and our varied marine fauna: A delight for nature lovers everywhere. Our story is evolving, and our hope is that we can preserve this very special place for generations to come through our sustainability and guardianship efforts.

KERERU SUITE
The relaxed intimacy of the Kereru Suite will make you feel like you are a million miles away. A private entrance leads to your cozy, beautifully appointed suite. The two luxurious bedrooms have their own superbly appointed shower en-suite.

The rooms connect to a contemporary lounge, with its own fireplace, where you can enjoy getting away from it all be it in summer, winter, or any season. A wide private balcony with sweeping views across the Queen Charlotte Sound will take your breath away.

Enjoy a romantic glass of ‘bubbles’ on your own secluded spa deck, overlooking the bay, under the shelter of a Kowhai grove and regenerating native bush. And if you wait till dark, you will discover a night sky that is unique to our truly peaceful, pristine location.

THREE BEDROOM APARTMENT
Connect together the generations of your family in our stylishly comfortable three bedroom apartment. Featuring architect-designed living areas, three luxurious bedrooms, and two beautifully-appointed bathrooms, this versatile apartment allows for up to six people to enjoy the comfort and warmth of the natural wood interior, and the uninterrupted views of the Marlborough Sounds from your private balcony.

TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT
Opening the curtains in the mornings as the sun comes up is nothing short of breathtaking. Experience the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds with another couple in the privacy of our award-winning architect-designed apartments.

The warm wooden interior offers a refreshingly relaxed atmosphere: Spacious and stylish, the apartment has been designed to offer a generous combination of both social and private contemporary living.

With windows opening wide onto uninterrupted views across the bay, two king size bedrooms are dressed with the finest linens and smoothest down pillows. Each room has a beautifully-appointed bathroom, and opens up to a stylish and cozy shared lliving room with private balcony.

ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT
A Honeymoon hideaway, romantic escape, or simply ‘time out’ for yourself: Welcome to the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. Every apartment has been thoughtfully designed to create a private sanctuary where you can relax and enjoy luxurious home comforts.

Beautiful linens, lofty down pillows and luxurious king size beds will ensure you leave rejuvenated. Warm wooden interiors mirror our stuning native setting and your private balcony offers sweeping views of our secluded bay. The beautifully-appointed bathroom reflects our commitment to New Zealand-sourced botanicals.

DINING
Our Chefs craft their menus from locally-sourced and sustainable produce, gathering the finest ingredients from the sea and the land. Our exclusive fine dining restaurant, private guest lounge and welcoming waterfront café, each capture the freshness and spirit of the Marlborough Sounds. Our privileged location brings many local delights, such as our world-renouned wines and ‘Kai Moana’ (seafood), turning each meal into a memory.

THE FOREDECK RESTUARANT
This is a fine dining experience in a uniquely romantic setting with sweeping views across the bay. Enjoy an evening filled with candle-light, conversation and truly beautiful flavours, where our seasonal menus and expertly wine-matched signature degustations willl create unforgettable culinary memories.

Whilst we warmly welcome families at the Bay of Many Coves, we happily offer a range of alternative options for entertaining children, so that The Foredeck remains solely reserved for an intimate fine dining experience from six o’ clock in the evening.

A warm welcome is also extended to guests not staying at the Bay of Many Coves. As a mark of respect for the loving care and attention our chefs put into creating a gastronomic experience for you, we request you dress as you would for any fine dining restaurant. Depending on guest numbers we may need to seat you in our private dining area downstairs.

WINE CELLAR
Our cellar showcases some of the finest New Zealand wines, thanks to the close relationship our Sommelier enjoys with the region’s finest winemakers, as well as a select offering of international labels. Our staff will skilfully match our wines to every dish.

THE KUMATAGE GUEST LOUNGE
An exclusive haven for our guests, The Kumatage lounge also enjoys sweeping views of the bay. Our chefs are on-hand for a freshly-cooked breakfast, delicious brunch or long lunch that drifts effortlessly into the afternoon.

Linger over the morning newspaper, enjoy a barista coffee and gaze upon a landscape that is teeming with wildlife, no matter the season. We’re always on-hand to share our local knowledge and recommendations for the perfect way to spend your day.

THE QUARTERDECK
In-house guests can enjoy the best of the Marlborough Sounds in a relaxed setting – including capturing the last of the afternoon sun – while enjoying a beautiful glass of crisp Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and something delicious from our ever-evolving seasonal menu. We trust that this new space, by the water’s edge, will provide a quiet spot to lose yourself in the beauty and seclusion of our unique location.

WEDDINGS
We love weddings and will do everything we can to ensure a perfect day. The setting is ideally suited to a romantic wedding, with spectacular sea views, wonderful indoor/outdoor facilities and delicious cuisine. We specialise in small and intimate weddings, with a maximum capacity of 34 guests. Minimum stay is 2 nights and a full buy-out the resort for that period is required.

HONEYMOON
After all the excitement of your wedding, the Bay of Many Coves Resort is the perfect haven. The splendour of the Marlborough Sounds at your doorstep, bush clad hills reaching down to the sea and not a road in sight. Arrive at the resort for bubbly and a gourmet platter on your private balcony and take in the stunning views.

Relax in your luxury apartment, and then enjoy a soak in the hot tub under the stars. Awake to the sound of tuis and bellbirds enjoy a café breakfast at the water’s edge. Spend the days chilling out together before indulging in a romantic dinner prepared by our award-winning team of chefs. Make your honeymoon something to remember forever, at the peace and tranquillity of the Bay of Many Coves.

CORPORATE RETREATS
A great place to take the team, where business mixes beautifully with pleasure. When there’s business to be done without the everyday interruptions, in an environment that enhances teamwork and camaraderie, The Bay of Many Coves Resort is your perfect partner. We can provide the perfect mix of business-friendly environment, social relaxation and adventure that will ensure the success of your meeting.

THE EXPERIENCE
Welcome to the Bay of Many Coves resort, the place to treat yourself to a unique Marlborough Sounds experience, all year round. Recently dubbed “the jewel of the Marlborough Sounds”, we are so close to home, yet you will feel a million miles away.

Indulge your passions, challenge your senses, and try things you’ve always dreamt of doing. Whether you stay with us in summer, winter, or any season in between, you can choose to do as much, or as little as you like… all in your own time and away from the crowds.

Our friendly staff and experienced guides are here to help make your stay memorable. And when each day is over, come home to Bay of Many Coves and experience true Marlborough sounds hospitality. Catering for small teams or larger groups of up to 20, the Resort’s many facilities, three café/restaurants, and luxury accommodation can provide the perfect environment.

SPA & WELLNESS
The Miritu Day Spa at Bay Of Many Coves offers treatments for men and women, inspired by indigenous and European cultures, using locally sourced products and native botanical extracts.

Our talented in-house therapists bring a host of experience in restorative, sports and deep tissue massage techniques. Other treatments include manicures, pedicures and facials. We are open throughout the year to our guests, so why not indulge yourself during your stay?

POOLS & s SWIMMING 
If you love being in or near the water, you’ve come to the right place. A refreshing dip in the sea, a lounge around the pool, or a steaming hot tub: There’s nothing as refreshing after a day’s exploring, or a soak in the hot tub, under the stars, before bed.

BUSH WALKING
Lush native forests and regenerating bush are perfect for recharging the spirit. Take one of several tracks leading out from the Resort that lead you through 52 hectares of private bush, alive with native birds.

Venture from the Bay of Many Coves Resort to the Queen Charlotte Track, or let us arrange a boat pick up from any of the entry and exit points along this magnificent walkway. Ask us about the Whittakers ‘Peanut Slab’ challenge and join the alumni from around the world.

MARINE WILDLIFE
One of the highlights of a visit to the Marlborough Sounds is an up-front encounter with our marine wildlife. The clear cool waters, sheltered coves and native bush backdrops provide a spectacular setting for watching these magnificent creatures.

It is also possible, providing conditions allow, to go swimming with the dolphins. Interacting with them in their underwater habitat is the adventure experience of a lifetime. We can arrange special excursions with our friends from ‘E-Ko Tours’, who have considerable experience in navigating the Sounds for the best dolphin watching opportunities.

Species You May Encounter: Bottlenose dolphins are frequent visitors all year round, sometimes in groups of up to 150! They are very social animals and are guaranteed to put on a good show.

Dusky dolphins are only found in the southern hemisphere and feed regularly in the Marlborough Sounds during autumn, winter, and spring. Known for performing perfectly executed back flips!

Common dolphins are quite distinctive with a yellow coloured side-patch and can often be seen riding a bow wave or slip-streaming in the wake of boats. Groups in open water sometimes number up to 500 or more.

Hector’s dolphin is the world’s smallest and rarest oceanic dolphin and is only found in New Zealand waters. It can be seen mainly throughout the summer and is a treat for our international guests to see.

Orca or killer whales are actually the largest of the dolphin species and their visits are a bit unpredictable. Although there are only approximately 200 orca resident in New Zealand waters, they are often sighted in the Sounds, particularly during December and January. New Zealand fur seals are very common in the area with a large colony in Queen Charlotte Sound. Playful and very appealing, they are always a delight to have around.

Humpback whales, southern right whales, and pygmy blue whales are also seen in the open waters of New Zealand and sometimes in Cook Strait. A glimpse of these largest of ocean going mammals is indeed a sight to be remembered.

BIRD WATCHING
An eco-marine haven where unique birdlife abounds. The Resort is an ornithologist’s dream: Dusk will bring the swooping Kereru, Tui and curious Weka. Dawn will begin with a chorus of native birds including the beautiful bellbird.

Across the Bay, you will find three Cormorant breeding colonies. Easily accessible by kayak or dinghy these birds provide year round entertainment – none more so when the young birds are learning to fly, swim and fish.

A trip to nearby Motuara Island will reward you with a glorious cross section of New Zealand birdlife, while a little further on, you will arrive at the only King Cormorant breeding colony in the world.

KAYAKING & SUP
Explore the sheltered bays and beautiful Sounds coastline in your own time. We have a range of sea kayaks and stand-up paddle boards (S.U.P.s) for guests to enjoy during their stay. Guided options can include a day paddle to visit the Salmon Farm in neighbouring Ruakaka Bay with lunch at Ratimera Beach. Itineraries can be tailored to suit fitness and the experience levels of guests. Dinghies are also available for use by guests at the resort.

STAR GAZING & GLOW WORMS
A spectacular light show from above and from within. At night, after your evening meal, and if you feel like a romantic stroll or a relaxing soak in our hot tub, look up: You will see an uninterrupted display of stars, under our unpolluted sky, the likes of which is so rare.

In the late afternoon, just a short walk from the Resort, you will experience the visual magic provided by our native ‘glow worms’: these special creatures earned their Maōri name, ‘titiwai’, meaning ‘projected over water’, which describes their general habitat along streams.

Look for them in the bush, under tree trunks or within the foliage and you will be amazed by this truly unique New Zealand ecosystem.

BEACHES
Have you ever dreamed of idling away the time on your own personal beach? The Resort is built around the beach with easy access to the water and a number of places to spend a pleasant few hours stretched out under the sun. If you ever get tired of that, just put on your walking shoes and before you’ve travelled far, you’ll come across stunning secluded beaches just waiting to be discovered.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK
This world-renowned coastal track winds through 72km of towering native forest and regenerating bush, over ridges and into beautiful coves. Venture from the Bay of Many Coves Resort for a round-trip walk or allow us to arrange a boat pick up service from any of the several entry and exit points for longer excursions. Both freedom and guided walking options are available from two hours to five days.

SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS
If you are looking for a life changing experience, this is a good place to start. Our staff will be delighted to help you organise this incredible ‘Bucket-List’ adventure, in association with our friends at ‘E-Ko Tours’:

A half-day ‘Swim with dolphins’ Experience will leave from Picton. You will spend 4 – 5 hours in Cook’s Strait and Cloudy Bay, where you will view or swim with large pods of dolphins. Minimum age for this activity is 3 years old to view, 8 years old to swim.

ECO CRUISING
Learn about the environment, wildlife and our history with a visit to the ‘Bay of Mystery’, the spiritual Heartland of Totaranui. Hear untold stories that you won’t find in English history books, visit the ‘Oruawairua’ island bird sanctuary,visit Betty Rowe’s ‘Arapawa Island’ wildlife sanctuary or the old Maōri ‘Turangawaewae’ homestead.

FISHING CHARTERS
Fresh fish is what the Marlborough Sounds is famous for, so why not catch your own? Whether fishing is a passion or on your ‘Bucket List’, our friendly staff can arrange a Fishing charter for you within the inner-Sounds (catch and release blue cod) or an extreme outer-Sounds fishing expedition.

WINE TOURS
Enjoy a personalised tour of Marlborough’s leading vineyards and wineries, and taste the three ‘icons’ of our Region: Our world-famous Sauvignon Blanc, Greenlip mussels, and the Marlborough Sounds themselves. Whether you have a particular cellar-door in mind, or you would like some guidance, our staff will assist you with their local wine knowledge.

MOTUARA ISLAND
Guarding the entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound, Motuara Island is covered with regenerating forest and has been pest-free since 1991. It is now a bird sanctuary that provides a safe haven for many rare species, including the South Island Saddleback and Bush Robin.

Spend the day cruising through the Queen Charlotte Sound: An eco-marine haven where seals, dolphins, penguins, gannets and shearwaters abound. The surrounding Sound also has a resident pod of Hector’s Dolphins, thought to be the rarest marine dolphin in the world.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) ‘Marine Mammal Watch permit’ allows us to interact with the local wildlife along the 30 minute journey to the Island. Flora and Fauna identification sheets and maps can be provided during your visit, with an onboard commentary by the skipper highlighting points of interest.

MOTOR YACHT CRUISING
Explore some of the world’s best cruising, right here in the Marlborough Sounds, onboard ‘Katabatic’. 42-year-old local owner, Skipper and Chef, Grant Orchard, specialises in tailor-made cruising, sightseeing, fishing and overnight charters. Enjoy the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds with a full or half-day excursion, for up to 8 guests, all fishing gear supplied, and beautiful local cuisine, prepared by Grant himself.

SAILING
The Marlborough Sounds provide perfect sailing conditions in one of the world’s most picturesque environments. Cruise the Sounds with some of the most experienced operators in the Marlborough region. Sail to historic sights such as Tory Channel, Ship’s Cove or Motuara Island, where you can go ashore to explore.

Rooms: 11

Price: from 844 EUR per night

Source: www.bayofmanycoves.co.nz